Ukrainian military in Donbas allowed to return fire without seeking authorization

Wednesday, June 13, 2018 2:00:00 PM

Joint Forces Operation (JFO) commanders are allowed to return fire when provoked, without needing to coordinate with top leadership first, said JFO commander Serhiy Nayev in an interview with UNN news agency.

"The commanders are given the right to independently decide on the appropriate response to shelling [by the enemy] to protect the lives and health of subordinates and civilians," he said. According to Nayev, in a combat environment, waiting for approval "often has price of human life."

"Therefore, the unit commanders are well aware of the procedure for the use of weapons and they adhere to it," the JFO Commander said.

The Joint Forces Operation in the Donbas began on April 30. This format was introduced by the President of Ukraine to replace the Anti-Terrorist Operation.